Gov. Oyebanji’s Agricultural Revolution: A Template for Food Security in Nigeria
By Oladimeji Oni
The leadership of Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in two and half years has exceeded expectations. His administration, guided by six strategic pillars—’Governance, Youth Development and Job Creation, Human Capital Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Infrastructure and Industrialization, Arts, Culture and Tourism’—has ushered in visible progress across Ekiti State.
In the 2025 budget, Governor Oyebanji explicitly identified Agriculture and Food Security as a top priority. This wasn’t mere rhetoric. His actions have demonstrated a deep understanding of the factors critical to agricultural development—security, infrastructure, land availability, youth empowerment, and market access.
Gov Oyebanji understands that Food security begins with physical security and has tackled this head-on, ensuring that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. Through continuous engagement with security agencies, his administration has equipped operatives with operational vehicles, surveillance tools, and other logistics to respond swiftly to threats. More significantly, known criminal hideouts, especially kidnappers’ dens, have been cleared, ploughed and transformed into productive farmlands. These farms are now monitored by security personnel, creating a safe and stable environment for farmers.
BAO has constructed several farm roads which are not limited to, the construction of 3km Onijuja farm road in Emure Ekiti; 2km Isaya farm road in Isaya Ekiti; 6km Aramoko Odeyemi farm road in Aramoko Ekiti; 2.5km Abulefon farm road in Ikere Ekiti; 6.1km Gbadamosi/Sakoro farm road in Ikoro, Ijero LG; 6km Odogbo/Ajebamidele farm road in Awo, Irepodun/Ifelodun LG; 6.5km Oyikaka/Ayegun farm road in Ipoti, Ijero LG; 2km Temidire/Ilukunno farm road in Temidire, Ijero LG; 6.5km Ilumoba/Ajebamidele farm road in Aiyekire LG. Also, in partnership with the World Bank, over 1,000km of rural roads under the “Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project” (RAAMP), have either been completed or nearing completion. These are not limited to mega road construction in towns and cities.
Governor Oyebanji’s agricultural vision places a strong emphasis on youth inclusion. His agriculture strides has made agriculture lucrative for the youths.
The Governor cleared and ploughed about 1000ha for over 400 farmers under the “tractorisation subsidy scheme”, he also released N150m for the distribution of agro-chemicals, seeds and seedlings at 50% cost reduction alongside the distribution of 18,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers free of charge. Further more, he engaged 1000 youths in agriculture under the “Bring Youth to Agriculture” in partnership with YSJ Farm Limited. Also, to boast cassava farming in the state, he signed “MoU” with Cavista Holding. But he didn’t stop there—he also equipped these young farmers with modern tools. Even more innovative is the introduction of a “produce buy-back” model, where the government facilitates the purchase of harvested crops—ensuring guaranteed returns and making agriculture a viable career path.
A defining characteristic of BAO’s governance is his grassroots connection. He is not a leader removed from the people. Rather than distancing himself, he regularly mingles with the people on the streets to understand their challenges and those of the larger community. For instance, on his way back from a function at Ogotun last month, he stopped his convoy and alighted from his vehicle to engage with residents around Adekaitan Filling Station near the GRA. They expressed concerns about the damage erosion was causing to their properties and the roads. In response, BAO swiftly took action, and the construction work to address the issue is now nearing completion.
Likewise, his frequent visits to farm clusters and interactions with the farmers has boasted a robust synergy towards food security—when young farmers requested dormitories to stay near their farmlands and a bus for transportation, BAO responded promptly—providing both. These interventions may seem modest, but to the farmers, they are game-changers.
Governor Oyebanji’s results-driven approach to agricultural development is not just commendable—it is replicable. His administration proves that with the right mix of policy, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and on-the-ground engagement, food security is achievable.
Kudos to a forward-thinking governor. His administration is not just growing crops—it’s growing hope, opportunity, and a resilient future.
Oladimeji Oni writes from Ado-Ekiti